Primary cells



Feb.

Filed June 15,4 1956 17, 1959 c; K. MORI-:HOUSE Erm.

PRIMARY CELLS 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Feb. 17, 1959 c. K.Y MpREHoUsE x-:TAL

PRIMARY CELLS .5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 13, 1956 4 m M wm -7 MT uw Mw ,MH MJ A ff a w MJ 0 J! .4W N/ E M c@ M` W. m 0 w. w m .M m m w w l Egg@ BY M1/1an am v TT/PA/EY Feb. 17, 1959 Filed June 15, 1956 c. K. MoREHoUsE ETAL 2,874,204

PRIMARY CELLS 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 of the United `Statesnas ya whole.

United States PatentA PRlMARY lCELLS man,'Highland Park, N. J., assignors to'RadoCor-pration of-Ameriea, a corporation of Delaware Application June 13, 1956, ySerial No. 591,195

V13 Clain1s. (Cl. 13G- 100) This is a Vcontinuation-impart of U..S. patent applica- Clarence rK. Morehouse Princeton, and Richard'(tlicks?"` tion, S. N. 466,076, tiled. November 1, 1954, by C. K. A

Morehouse and R. Gliclcsman (now abandoned).

This invention relates to primary cells, andparticularly, but not necessarily exclusively, to improved primary cells including a magnesium anode and a cathode comprising a positive halogen, organic compound.

Primary cells are electrochemical devices from which V:stored `chemical energy is kconverted directly into electrical energy 1 `by `an` electrochemical:process.

7Vterm primarycells refers to a class of cells thatdo .not have efficiently reversible chemical reactions. :Onccthe Generally, the

chemicalenergyis converted to electrical energy, thecells y.are discarded. Primary cells that aremanufactured toxin- `clude a nQn-spillable electrolyte are referred to asdry icells. ,Primarycells that are assembled without lonerol the essentialrcomponents, such as the electrolyte, .but are Vadapted lto supply electrical energy whenthecomponent is added just prior to use, Aare referredto asreserve cells.

A primarycell which is to be used as` aportable; power ,-,supplyshcnld have the ,following characteristics: a high watt-hour and a Vhigh ampere-hour capacity .per `unit of -volume `or weight;` a high flatV operating voltage `over a wide range of. current drains; `a long life; .and ya :low: cost.

One problem in present' day primary cells is that they includematerials which come into shortpsupp'ly in :times `of emergency because they become critical tof-the interests These materials'may becomecn'tical ,becausezzthey are suppliedlfrom foreign sourcesor because domestic `ore sources are limited ,in

size andy mining capacity, or for some other economic reason.

Accordingly, an objectof thisrinvention 4is to `.provide primary ,cells .which are comparatively inexpensiveto manufacture have a high watt-hour anda `highpamperehour capacity per unitof -volume or Weight, anda relatively `high at operating voltage level over a wide'rangeV of current drains.v

A further object is to'provide `an improved `electrochemical system which maybe employed in primary cells. Another object is Vto `provide improved primary cells includingl materials which are -'non-strategic, canibe `readily available in large quantities inthe UnitedStates, and

lare comparatively inexpensive.

lnv general theforegoing .objects are accomplished in i improved primary cells of the invention which Ainclude an anodeselected from the group consisting of magnesium and magnesium-base alloys and a cathode including an .or-

ganic oxidizing substance in which the oxidizing properties are due at least..in.partto positive halogens chemically combined in said substance. The' invention includes re- ,serve cells. including v,the-above-described combinatlonand approximate composition 95.6%

.nection thereto.

2,874,204 ffPatented Feb. 17, 1959 vsize .drycellot theinvention compared with comparable dry/cells from-other electrochemical systems when dischargedcontinuously through. a 50 ohm` resistance,

'Figure .3. is a family of curves illustrating the discharge characteristics of a reserve cell of the invention under various discharge rates,

.Figure 4 is a family of .curves vcomparing the reserve cell, of Figure 3 with similar cells having. a zinc anode,

VFigure 5 is a family of curves illustrating the discharge `characteristics of a primarycellof the invention under various discharge rates, and

Figure 6 is a. group` of curves illustrating the discharge characteristics of several dry cells of the invention.

Example l.-Referring to Figure 1, a cell according yto the invention may bepreparedas follows. A metallic `anode 12 is providedin the form of a cup of the standard AA .size (American. Standards Association, Bureau of Standards, Washington, D. C.). The anode 12 has the n magnesium, 3.0% aluminum, 1,0% zinc, 0.2% manganese, and 015% ncalcium; This alloy composition is sometimes desig- Y nated, A23 1X. .T heanodellis lined with -a separator .le comprising an absorbent-raft paper.

The separator 14 keeps the anode l2 and a cathodef16 apart while pro- .viding therebetween a low resistance path tothe ow of ions during theelectrochemical process.

`A mix including .the cathode material Vand electrolyte, hereinafter referred to as the cathode mix, is prepared Aof the following constituents:

grams N,N' dibromodimethylhydantoin 50 gramsl graphite v50 grams acetylene black 6 grams.'bariumlchromate ml. Idistilled water containing 0.2 g./liter of sodium dichrornate Approximately 5 gramsv of the cathode mix is formed to a cylindrical slug andfnserted into the paper lined anode 12to forma cathode 16. -A carbon rod 18 is inserted into the cathode mix 16 to provideelectrical con- The anode `12 is sealed with an insulatingwwasherlt) mounted onv the carbon rod Vand a layer 22 of hard wax on the washer 20. A metal contact cap '24 of brass is placed on yrod 18. An air space 26 is provided between the washer 20 and the cathode 16.

' T heanode and cathode may now be connected through an external load whereby the cell commences to be ,discharged by electrochemical action. The .cell reactions `are believed to occur as'follows:

A. CATHODE 'REACTION the following parts:

3 B. ANODE REACTION 2Mg -v 2MgH 4e C. OVERALL CELL REACTION Figure 2 shows characteristic initial discharge curves for size dry cells discharged continuously through a 50 ohm load resistance (simulating the current drain requirements of a transistor operated portable radio). Curve 31 shows the characteristic discharge curve for a cell prepared according to Example 1 containing N,N dibromodimethylhydantoin as the cathode material and a magnesium anode, magnesium/NN dibromodimethylhydantoin, curve 33 shows the discharge curve for a similar zinc/N,N dibromodimethylhydantoin cell discharged under the same conditions. For comparison, curve 35 shows the characteristic discharge curve for a similar commercially-available zinc/manganese dioxide cell discharged under the same conditions and curve 37 shows the characteristic discharge curve data for a similar magnesium/manganese dioxide cell. The dry cell of Example 1 operates at a considerably higher voltage than the comparable zinc/manganese dioxide dry cells. It should also be noted that the cell of Example l has a desirable high flat voltage curve.

In addition to its favorable performance, the cell of Example 1 has the great advantage that it employs nonstrategic, plentiful materials which are relatively easy to manufacture in the United States, and when manufactured in large quantities, should be relatively inexpensive. Magnesium may be obtained from sea water and the N,N dibromodimethylhydantoin may be produced synthetically.

The primary cells of the invention comprise generally (1) An anode selected from the group of materials consisting of magnesium and magnesium-base alloys,

(2) an electrolyte which may include (a) a soluble substance for increasing the electrical-conductivity thereof and (b) a material for inhibiting the corrosion of the anode,

(3) a cathode including a 'depolarizer consisting of an organic oxidizing substance in which the oxidizing properties thereof are due at least in part to chemically combined positive halogens. The cathode may include also an inorganic depolarizer, other organic depolarizer and/or an inorganic material for increasing the conductivity of the cathode.

The anode-The anode for the primary cells of the invention may be magnesium or magnesium-base alloys. The term magnesium anode includes both magnesiumand magnesium-base alloy anodes. A magnesium-base alloy is one wherein the predominant ingredient is magnesium. Thus, any alloy having more than 50% magnesium is satisfactory. It is preferred, however, to have as high a proportion of magnesium as possible. Other ingredients are added to magnesium to improve the properties of the anode for fabrication purposes, to impart a greater degree of corrosion resistance, or for other reasons. Table I sets forth examples of magnesium-base alloys which are suitable for anode material together with the corresponding ASTM designations.

Table I ANODE COMPOSITIONS A. S. T. M. Nominal Composltionl Alloy No. Designation Al Mn Zn Zr Ce Ca 1 113 3.o 0.2 2.- A4 4.0 0.2 3.- As 8.0 0.1 4.- 1110 10 0.1 5.- A12 12 0.1 5a. A2102. 1.0 0.5 0.10 6.- A231 2.8 0.3 1.0 6a. 21231K 3.0 0.2 1.0 0.15 7.. A233 3.0 0.2 3.0 s.- 11261 0.5 0.2 0.7 0.- A263 0.0 0.2 3.0 10. A281 8.5 0.2 0.5 11- A291 9.0 0.2 0.0 12. A292 0.0 0.1 2.0 13. E0 14..-- EM42 15. EMz 16. M1 17. M2 1s- 2K30 10. 2K00 20 21 1Balance commercial magnesium.

The magnesium anode may be the container for the cell, may be the lining of the container, or may be a separate structure inserted in the container. The magnesium anode may be in any geometrical configuration desired.

In Example l, a paper separator lined the magnesium anode cup 12. It is necessary to space the cathode from the anode. To accomplish this, it is preferred to insert a separator between the anode and the cathode regardless of configuration, although other methods of spacing may be used. The separator may be any porous material such as kraft paper, kraft paper treated with a gel-like material such as carboxymethyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, or a starch-flour gel. The coating on the kraft paper promotes adhesion of the paper to the anode and maintains good electrical contacts between the electrolyte and the anode. Porous ceramics or other inorganic or organic structures may be used in place of paper.

The electrolyte- The electrolyte may be distilled water,

or water containing a soluble salt such as sea water, or water to which one or more soluble salts have been deliberately added. Bromides of alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, and ammonium cations are the most desirable soluble salts in the electrolyte. The electrolyte may be prepared by dissolving the hydrated salt in water in a concentration between about 30 grams per liter and that producing a saturated solution at ordinary temperatures. The concentration does not appear to be critical, although for best results certain concentrations are preferred depending upon the particular salt or combination of salts that are used. For example, preferred concentrations of the alkaline earth metal bromides (hydrated) are from about to 600 grams, preferably 500 grams, of the hydrated salt per liter of water. While a single salt may be used as the electrolyte, combinations of salts, particularly combinations of alkali metal bromides are desirable. Examples of soluble salts that may be added to the electrolyte are lithium bromide, sodium bromide, magnesium bromide, magnesium chloride, strontium bromide, calcium bromide and ammonium bromide.

It is also desirable to include in the electrolyte one or more alkali metal, alkaline earth metal (including magnesium), or ammonium salts of chromic acid in corrosion-inhibiting amounts. The chromic acid salts may be used in proportions between 0.01 gram per liter of solution to concentrations producing saturation in the presence of the electrolyte salt contained therein. A preferred concentration of lithium chromate is about 0.05 to 2.0 grams per liter of solution. Examples of corrosion-inhibiting salts are sodium chromate, ammo- V nium chromate, potassium dichromate, lithium dichromate, magnesium chromate, and calcium chromate.

For certain applications, principally where alongshelf life 1s required, it is desirable to omit one of the essentialcomponents of the primary-cell until the needv for electrical energy has arisen. The primary cells of the Invention are particularly adaptable to be prepared as re- .serve cells, for example, by omitting the electrolyte until Just prior to use.

` The cathode-The cathode includes an organic oxidizingsubstance in which the' oxidizinglproperties are due at least `in kpart to positive .halogens combinedin said substance. The `halogens include chlorine, bromineand iodine. Thesesubstances `are also referred toas positive halogen organic compounds. During, theelectrochemical action, thesubstance undergoes a reduction as the primary cell furnishes electric current.

An organic oxidizing substance containing, positive halogens, when treatedwith wateryields hypohalous acid, a powerful oxidizing agent, of the form HOX, where X designates any one of the following halogen group: chlorine, bromine and iodine. Thus a test for a positive halogencomprises reacting ther material in question with an acidified aqueous, solution of an iodide compound which, is oxidized by the hypohalous acid liberated by the reaction of the substance with` water, liberating iodine. For example, the following equations illustrate the release of iodine by a reaction between water, N,N dichloromethylamine, and hydrogen iodide:

Some of the positive halogen organic compounds are relatively insoluble in conventional electrolytes and are particularly` suitable as cathode materials in dry cells. Some of the insolubleI positive` halogen organic compounds are also liquids-.which areimmisciblewith the electrolyte and can be adsorbed by a material such as acetylene black or` graphite. Some-of the positive halogen` organic-compounds may be soluble in they cell electrolyte. These substances may be used in reserve-cells.

Thefollowiug list includessomc of the ,positive-halogen organic compoundswhich are useful in preparing the primarycell accordingto the invention. The'rnembers of the list are intendedas examples only. In the list, XI is meant to refer to a rhalogenatorn, such-as chlorine, bromine or iodine.

A. Amines of the generalformula RNHX, RNX2, RgNX where R is an alkyl radical. A typical example of this Vclass is: N,N dichloromethylarnine,

B. Amides:

. l. Carboxylic acid amides- (a) Aliphatic monocarboxylic acid amides:

N-chloroacetarnide N-bromoacetamide (b) Aliphatic dicarboxylic acid amides:

N,lJ"-dibromosuccinamide N,N-dibromooxamide N,N-,dibromoadipamide (c) Aromatic monocarboxylic acid amide:

N-bromobenzamide (d) Aromatic dicarboxylic acid amides:

N,N'dibromoterphthalamide 2. Sulfonic acid amides of the formula RSOONHX and RSOOHX2 Sodium salt of N-chlorobenzenesulfonamideV Sodium salt of N-chl'oro-p-toluenesulfonamide N,N-dichloro-p-toluenesulfonamide and. N,N.-

dibromo-p-toluenesulfonamide N,N-dichlorobenzenesulfonamide. and N,N-dibromo-p-benzenesulfonamidel N,N-dichloro'fp-carboxylicacid-benzene-sulfonamide.

Any positive halogen organic compound may be used ascathodes lof the primary cells ofthe invention. The primary cells` of the, invention all utilize the electron change obtained in convertinga positivehalogen ion to a negative halogen ion. This is shown schematically by the following equation where X `is a halogen:

In addition, suchcompounds may have other radicals in their structure which altertheir physical` and chemical properties to atfect the stability and solubility in 4the electrolyte. It is:r also recognized that by changing. the structure of the positive halogen organic compounds, the theoretical capacity, shelf life and the rate at which elec,- trical energy can be withdrawn from the cell can be altered. The selectionl of the particular compound and its structure will depend on the application for which` the o particular primary cell is intended. The utility of` the positive halogen organic compound may be further enhanced by thepresenceof oxidizing radicalssuch asnitro, azo, etc. groups which will increase the theoretical capacity. The cathodesof the primary cells ofthe `invention *mayy also comprise a` mixture of, one or more ,positive halogen organic compounds, or a mixturewith one or more other organic oxidizing compounds, such as quinones, or certain organic azo compounds, or with inorganic cathode materials such as manganese dioxide or o the like.

For many situations, it is desirable to increase the electrical conductivityy of thecathode; One mayA add varying proportions of non-reactive conductive materials to obtain the desired electrical conductivity. Carbon is a preferred material for this purpose because of its low cost and easy availability. Any of the various forms of carbon, such as graphite or acetylene black may be used. The conducting material may comprise upto 80% by weight of the cathode mix.

4The cathodes of theinventionmay be fabricated by a1 number of methodsand in various shapes. Example 1 describes vpreparing a mixture of powders with.v electrolyteand then pressing a quantity of the mix-ture to 70 the; desired shapev and density. Another cathode mix may include a binder such as polyvinyl alcohol, carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose, a vinyl resin, bentonite or silica gel. Such mix may bepressed as described above,.or: castina mold to fabricate the cathode. The binder adds strength and rigidity to the cathode especially where odd shapes are used. A cathode mix containing a binder may be coated on a suitable support such as a carbon rod or block and used in layer forms. Besides simple coatings, lms containing the cathode mix may also be prepared by the addition of a film-forming material to the cathode mix and using techniques well-known in the plastics art. One technique is to coat paper separator sheets with magnesium powder in a binder on one surface and the cathode mix in a binder on the other surface. The coated sheets may then be stacked and stamped to produce batteries of the desired voltage and geometry.

Many of the positive halogen organic compounds used in the cathodes of the invention melt at relatively low temperatures without decomposition. N,N dichlorodimethylhydantoin, for example, melts at 130 C. The cathode mix may be prepared by mixing the dry powders, fusing and then pulverizing the fused product. The pulverized product may then be fabricated into cathodes by one of the methods described above. By another method and upon fusion, the cathode mix may be cast directly to the desired shape either in a mold orvdirectly in the place where it is to be used.

In some cases, it is desirable to increase the amount of active surface on the cathode. One method for increasing the active surface is to add a proportion of a soluble material, such as sodium chloride, to the cathode mix before fabrication. Upon fabrication, the soluble material is dissolved out of the cathode leaving a somewhat porous structure with a greatly increased proportion of active surface.

The presence of atmospheric oxygen enhances the capacity of the cathode of cells of various kinds. For example, capacity increases can be realized in the cells of Figure 1 by providing a small vent (e. g., 0.05 inch in diameter) in the wax layer 22 by preparing a tab on the washer 20 which tab 20 extends up through the wax seal 22. The maximum effect is ordinarily obtained when the current drain is relatively light.

It is noteworthy that the materials used to fabricate the cells of the invention may all be produced in the United States by processes well known in the chemical arts. Magnesium may be produced from sea water which is in abundant supply in the United States. The positive halogen organic compounds may be produced synthetically and many such substances such as N,N dichlorodimcthylhydantoin, are commercially available at the present time. Graphite and acetylene black are also available from sources within the United States.

Example 2. A reserve cell may be prepared as follows. Prepare a cathode mix of the following ingredients:

20 grams N,N' dichlorodimethylhydantoin grams graphite Heat this mixture until it is molten (about 140 C.), pour the molten mass into a paper lined can (I. D. 0.395"-height 1824"), insert a carbon rod, and then allow the mass to solidify. Upon cooling remove the solid mass from the can, wrap with a piece of absorbent non-woven fabric material. Then place a piece of 0.012" thick magnesium sheet around the assembly and bind with a wire. The assembly has the following approximate size: height: 1.25", diameter: 0.50", volume: 0.25 cu. in; and the following weights: carbon rod: 1.3 g., cathode material: 0.7 g., cell (dry): 4.0 g., cell (wet): 5.0 g. This cell maybe stored for a long period of time and when desired for use is immersed in an aqueous solution containing 250 grams MgBrgHzO and 1.0 gram NazCrzOq per liter of water. Referring to Figure 3, the reserve cell of Example 2 exhibits an operating voltage of over 2.0 volts over a wide range of current densities. The capacity of the cell is summarized in Table II:

Table Il Discharge Average Watt- Watt- Watt- Current Voltage Mlm/cm.3 Min/g. Hrs/lb. (amps.) (volts) (wet) (wet) Referring to Figure 4, a reserve cell according to Example 2 and activated with a solution containing 500 g. of MgBr2.6H2O per liter of water (curve 51) and tap water (curve 53) is compared with a similar cell prepared with a zinc anode and activated with a solution containing 500 g. of MgBr2.6H2O/1 of water (curve 55) and tap water (curve 57). The cells of Figure 4 were stored for 10 weeks in a desiccator at room temperature prior to activation. Upon activation, the cells were discharged continuously at 20 ma. Both a magnesium bromide solution and tap water are satisfactory electrolytes for the cells of the invention. A similar cell having a zinc anode under similar conditions exhibits a lower voltage and a steeper discharge curve.

Example 3 A at primary cell which operates at very high discharge rates may be prepared by first mixing the following ingredients to prepare a cathode mix:

10.0 grams N,N dichlorodimethylhydantoin 5.0 grams acetylene black 26 ml. aqueous solution containing 500 grams of MgBrz-GHZO and 1.0 grams Li2CrO4-2H2O per liter of water Paste a quantity of the cathode mix to a graphite plate about 1.25" x 1.00" x 0.0625 thick and weighing about 2.0 grams. The cathode is Wrapped with a piece of salt free kraft paper and then wrapped with a magnesium sheet about 3.0" x 1.0" x 0.010 thick Weighing about 1.0 gram. This assembly may be stored for a time and, when electric current is desired, is immersed in an aqueous solution containing 500 grams MgBr26H2O and 1.0 gram Li2CrO4'2H2O per liter of water. The cell weighs about r l0 grams after immersion and occupies about 0.311 cu.

in. Figure 5 shows characteristic discharge curves of this cell under various conditions of drain. The capacity is summarized in Table III.

Table III Discharge Average Watt- Watt- Watt- Current Voltage MxL/cm MinJg. Hrs/lb. (amps.) (volts) Example 4.-Another dry cell of the invention may be prepared according to Example 1 except that the anode is alloy AZ10A (Table I) and the cathode mix comprises the following formulation:

is alloy AZlOA` (flfablollandlthe .Calhotlemix comprises the following formula-tion:

1.1,.21` gramsthexachloromelamine .6pgrams acetylene black 0.5 grams barium chromate 32 ml. distilled water 22 grams N,N dichloroazodicarbonamidine l1 grams acetylene black 0.99 gram barium chromate 39 ml. aqueous solution containing 500 grams of MgBr-6H2O and 1.0 grams of LiCrO42H2O per liter of water The discharge characteristic of the cell when discharged continuously through a 50 ohm resistance is illustrated in Figure 6, curve 75.

Example 7.--Another reserve cell of the invention may be prepared according to Example 3 except that the following cathode mix is pasted on the graphite plate and then dried:

20 grams of N,N-dichlorobenzenesulfonamide 10 grams acetylene black 40 ml. solution containing 5% by weight of cellulose acetate in acetone Example 8.-Another dry cell of the invention may be prepared according to Example 1 except that the cathode mix comprises the following formulation which includes a mixture of organic oxidizing substances:

52.25 g. of N,Ndich.lorobenzenesulfonamide 52.25 g. of N.Ndichlorodimethylhydantoin 10.5 g. of acetylene black 10.5 g. of graphite 40 ml. aqueous solution containing 0.2 gram sodium dichromate per liter of water The cell exhibits characteristics similar to the cell of Example l.

Example 9.--Another dry cell of the invention may be prepared according to Example l except that the cathode mix comprises the following formulation which includes a mixture of organic oxidizing substances:

20 grams N,N dichlorodimethylhydantoin 20 grams m-dinitrobenzene 20 grams acetylene black 80 ml. aqueous solution containing 500 grams of MgBr2-6H2O and 1.0 gram LiCrO4-2H2O per liter of water Example 10.- Another dry cell of the invention may be prepared according to Example l except that the cathode mix comprises the following formulation which includes a mixture of 52.25 grams N,N' dichlorobenzenesulfonamide 5 2.25 grams manganese dioxide 10.5 grams acetylene black 10.5 grams graphite 40 ml. aqueous solution containing 0.2 gram sodium dichromate per liter of water There have been described improved primary cells which are inexpensive to manufacture and exhibit a high watt-hour and ampere-hour capacity per unit or value of watt and a high flat operating voltage level over a wide range of current drains.

materiale whiclnmay bei-produced .u'ithirlf4 the-:United States in large quantities by techniques welllknown.- in the chemicalart.

. What is claimed is:

l. In a primary cell utilizing theelectron change, ob, tained in converting a positive halogen ion to a negative halogen ion, an anode selectedy from the group consisting of magnesium and magnesium base alloys in combination with a cathode including a depolarizer including an organic oxidizing compound in which the oxidizing properties of said susbtance are due at least in part to positive halogens chemically combined in said compound, said compound -being selected from the group consisting of amines of the general formula RNHX, RNX2, RZNX, where R is an alkyl radical and X is a halogen atom, imides derived from dibasic acids, cyclic ureides, carboxylic acid amides, sulfonic acid amides, derivatives of carbonic acid amides, and amidines of carbonic acid.

2. A primary cell according to claim l wherein said anode comprises a magnesium base alloy.

3. A primary cell according to claim l wherein said cathode comprises a mixture of different organic oxidizing compounds in which the oxidizing properties of at least one of said compounds are due at least in part to positive halogens chemically combined in said compounds.

4. A primary cell according to claim l wherein said cathode includes an inorganic depolarizer.

5. A primary cell according to claim l wherein said cathode includes an inorganic material for increasing the electrical conductivity of said cathode.

6. A primary cell utilizing the electron change obtained in converting a positive,halogen ion to a negative halogen ion comprising a magnesium anode, an electrolyte, and a cathode including a Idepolarizer including an organic oxidizing compound in which the oxidizing properties are due at least in part to positive halogens chemically combined in said compound, said compound being selected from the group consisting of amines of the general formula RNHX, RNX2, RzNX, where R is an alkyl radical and X is a halogen atom, imides derived from dibasic acids, cyclic ureides, carboxylic acid amides, sulfonic acid amides, derivatives of carbonic acid amides, and amidines of carbonic acid.

7. A primary cell according to claim 6 wherein said electrolyte is an aqueous solution having dissolved therein a compound selected from the group consisting of alkali metal bromides, alkaline earth metal bromides, and ammonium bromides.

8. A primary cell according to claim 6 wherein said electrolyte is an aqueous solution having dissolved therein a chromic acid salt of an anion selected from the group consisting of alkali bases, alkaline earth metal bases and ammonium bases.

9. A primary cell utilizing the electron change obtained in converting a positive halogen ion to a negative halogen ion comprising a magnesium-base alloy anode, an aqueous electrolyte having dissolved therein magnesium bromide and a chromate inhibitor, and a cathode comprising carbon and an organic oxidizing compound in which the oxidizing properties are due at least in part to positive halogens chemically combined in said compound, said compound being selected from the group consisting amines of the general formula RNHX, RNX2, RZNX, where R is an alkyl radical and X is a halogen atom, imides derived from dibasic acids, cyclic ureides, carboxylic acid amides, sulfonic acid amides, derivatives of carbonic acid amides, and amidines of carbonic acid.

10. A primary cell including a magnesium anode, an aqueous electrolyte and a cathode including N,N'dich1o rodimethylhydantoin.

11. A primary cell including a magnesium anode, an aqueous electrolyte and a cathode including N,Ndi

The cells of the invention use 76' chloro-p-toluene sulfonamide.

I 12. A primary cell including a magnesium anode, an References Cited in the le of this patent aqueous electrolyte and a cathode including hexachlo- UNITED STATES PATENTS romelamine. 13. A primary cell including a magnesium anode, an 2,306,927 Arsem Dec. 29, 1942 aqueous electrolyte and a cathode including N,N'dicl11o 5 2,343,194 Lawson Feb. 29,1944

roazodicarbonamidine. 2,612,533 Blake Sept. 30, 1952 

1. IN A PRIMARY CELL UTILIZING THE ELECTRON CHANGE OBTAINED IN CONVERTING A POSITIVE HALOGEN ION, TO A NEGATIVE HALOGEN ION, AN ANODE SELECTED FROM THE GROUP CONSISTING OF MAGNESIUM AND MAGNESIUM BASE ALLOYS IN COMBINATION WITH A CATHODE INCLUDING A DEPOLARIZER INCLUDING AN ORGANIC OXIDIZING COMPOUND IN WHICH THE OXIDIZING PROPERTIES OF SAID SUBSTANCE ARE DUE AT LEAST IN PART TO POSITIVE HALOGENS CHEMICALLY COMBINED IN SAID COMPOUND, SAID COMPOUND BEING SELECTED FROM THE GROUP CONSISTING OF AMINES OF THE GENERAL FORMULA RNHX,RNX2,R2NX, WHERE R IS AN ALKYL RADICAL AND X IS A HALOGEN ATOM, IMIDES DERIVED FROM DIBASIC ACIDS, CYCLIC UREIDES, CARBOXYLIC ACID AMIDES, SULFONIC ACID AMIDES, DERIVATIVES OF CARBONIC ACID AMIDES, AND AMIDINES OF CARBONIC ACID. 